A suspected drug trafficker who featured in the Operation Captura ‘unlucky thirteen’ campaign has been arrested in The Netherlands. Ian Stanton, aged 42, from Liverpool, was captured at a house in Rotterdam recently by a team of officers from the Dutch Police.

Stanton, who is wanted by the National Crime Agency, is allegedly involved in a conspiracy to supply more than 400 kilos of cocaine. The drugs were found in May 2013 at Tilbury Docks hidden in a container of frozen Argentinean beef.

A search of the house resulted in the recovery of over 20,000 Euros, a drug press and a number of mobile phones.

Extradition proceedings are now underway.

Hank Cole, Head of International Operations at the NCA, said: “This arrest is a result of close working with the Dutch authorities. Stanton thought he could evade capture by fleeing overseas but there is no safe hiding place. The NCA and its partners will pursue criminals relentlessly wherever they are.”

Stanton’s arrest on Friday 29 November means 56 from the 76 wanted individuals appealed for since Operation Captura was launched have now been caught.

Lord Ashcroft, KCMG PC, Founder and Chairman of Trustees for Crimestoppers, said: “To achieve three arrests inside the first month of this latest appeal is a staggering result and I could not be more proud of the work that has been carried out by the agencies involved.

“With just 20 individuals now wanted as part of this project, I hope that people will see that this campaign does make a difference and it will encourage them to contact Crimestoppers anonymously if they have any information on the whereabouts of those still at large. Together, we can bring them to justice.”